Home opener for women's soccer

After six games and and close to 6000 kilometres the Heat will finally play a game on their own turf. Home opener is Saturday at 2 p.m. versus the #8 UBC Thunderbirds. The home stand continues on Sunday versus the Vikes at 2 p.m.

KELOWNA, B.C - After spending time on the road right from the beginning of the season, six games, three weeks, five cities, three provinces, and nearly 6000 km's, the UBC Okanagan women's soccer team will finally return to their home turf this weekend. The Home opener opponent for the Heat will be the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds on Saturday, the 26th of September where the game will begin at 2 p.m. The second game of the weekend will see the Heat play host to University of Victoria on Sunday, 27th of September, where kick-off is scheduled once again at 2 p.m. Both the games will be played at the Nonis Sports Field on the Okanagan campus of UBC.

The Heat are going into the game with a record that reads (1-2-3) from their six games so far. After a grueling three weeks on the road, the side will attempt to take advantage this first home weekend.

Key Performer: Kaylin Ferguson, a freshamen, has already netted two goals this season and has had 18 shots on goal. The talented forward will be the source of inspiration upfront when the Heat return home this weekend. Joella Koblischke, who is also in her first season, has managed to make a staggering 35 saves this season. Her safe pair of hands have already proven to be the mainstay for the women from Kelowna.

#8 UBC (4-1-0) – The Thunderbirds, who are ranked eighth in the nation and are currently topping their group charts, have gotten off to a fabulous start to a season.

Head to Head : The Heat // Thunderbirds. The two sides drew level in the first game (1-1) in Kelowna while the Thunderbirds came out on top to win the second game (2-0) when the two sides met last season. The record reads as (1-0-1) to the T'birds.

Players to Watch out for: Jasmin Dhanda ( 2 goals and 1 assist this season), Taylor Shannik (3 assists this season).Key Player: Forward Jasmin Dhanda has been the star player for UBC with two goals and a single assist this season. She has also taken a staggering 24 shots as her side will bank on her attacking instincts against the Heat this weekend.

Coach Quote:"I couldn't be happier with the progress this team has made during preseason," remarked Kovacs. "We have a drive and determination that can take us places if we can continue to grow and learn, especially with the right mix of returning players and first year players. I couldn't ask for a better group of student-athletes and we hope 2015 is one to remember." - UBC head coach Marisa Kovacs.

Key storyline: New coach starting with the team, which is hosting the 2015 CIS Women’s Soccer Championship.

UVic (2-2-1): The Vikes have shown a powerful offense in their season so far, managing to score 10 goals in their 5 games which is higher than any other team in their group so far. The side will go into the game with a record that reads (2-2-1) from their five games as they travel to UBC Okanagan.

Head to Head: The Heat // Vikes - The women from Victoria came out as winners on each of the two occasions that the teams met last season (2-0 to Victoria).

Key Player : Forward Emma Greig has been an instrumental figure for the Vikes this season. She has netted on two occasions. The women from Victoria will depend on her skills on the ball as they prepare to face a tough game away from home at UBC Okanagan.

Key performers: Fifth-year striker Emma Greig will be expected to lead the charge up front and this year the Social Sciences major will have some help beside her. First-year Vike Kiara Kilbey has impressed coach David so far and is expected to compliment Greig well up front.

Coach Quote: “I think Emma is one of the best strikers in the CIS and for sure other teams will be focusing on her,” said David. “She hasn’t had someone to play alongside her and help her consistently so the help from Kiara will alleviate some pressure and provide us a lot of creativity up front.” – Victoria head coach Tracy David

Key storyline: With a large group of graduates vacating the midfield line, David expects sisters Megan and Shannon Elder to play a big part in re-stabilizing that part of the pitch, while Emily Lieuwen and Stephanie Badilla Gutierrez will also rotate through.